December 4, 2022 (Daytona, FL) – Participants ranging from 8 to 85 years young tested themselves this weekend at either the 5K, or one of the varying-distance triathlons and duathlons that took place at One Daytona and the iconic Daytona International Speedway. More than 26 countries and 40 states were represented, with athletes experiencing family friendly opportunities such as an event expo with vendors, food, live music and an area for RV and campers to enjoy staying on-site. Fans of the sport could tune in live for Friday’s professional races via CLASH Endurance’ Facebook and YouTube channels. For those who missed the action, NBC will showcase the event during primetime on December 31 at 4 p.m ET.
On Friday, a professional field of short/long course specialists, Olympians and World Champions took on the “Daytona Distance” triathlon course unique to CLASH Daytona. The females took to the waters of Lake Lloyd at 9:45 a.m. while the men’s field lined up at 1 p.m. All vied for their portion of the $100K prize purse in addition to a variety of bonuses that recognized the fastest swim, bike, run and transition times. Italy’s Angelica Olmo and France’s Vincent Luis claimed winning titles with times of 2:40:11 and 2:23:48 respectively. Later that day, age group athletes looking for a shorter workout did a 5K that encompassed millions of lights in Florida’s “Magic of Lights” display with a start/finish at One Daytona. Saturday encompassed two waves of sprint triathlons (swim/bike/run) and two duathlons (run/bike/run) as well as the kid’s triathlons. These events saw significant growth from 2021 with registrants more than doubling this year. Throughout the day, athletes could be overheard using words like awesome, amazing and cheering as they approached the historic speedway during the bike or run segments.
On Sunday, over 500 athletes took on the middle-distance triathlon and kicked off their day with a dynamic fireworks show at the swim start. Conditions were nearly ideal with the water temperature at 71 degrees F and air temperatures hovering around the mid 70s with sunny skies. The first male and female athletes to celebrate at the finish line today were Joshua Beries and Kaylee Slade, with times of 4:23:32 and 3:48:24. In addition to a highly decorated pro field, talented age group participants that juggle parenthood, their profession and have overcome adversity highlight the CLASH Endurance Daytona starting list. Some of these inspirational stories include:
>Local Ormond Beach cardiologist, Dr. Dinesh Arab who competed last year and recognizes the importance of a healthy lifestyle for himself as well as his patients.
>Olympic Gold and Silver Medal Holder and former professional softball athlete, Jennie Finch competed today with her brother.
>A student at Embry Riddle University, Kyle McCartney enjoys racing while not serving in the Marine Corps.
>Rajesh Durbal from Orlando, FL is a triple amputee who overcame congenital defects at a young age and now competes regularly in events while motivating others as a speaker and coach.
>Tony Handler, 83, from Kissimmee has completed more than 320 triathlons in recent years and was excited to earn his finisher medal today.
CLASH Endurance® is an innovative sports media and event company led by athletes to provide exceptional race experiences at iconic speedways across the U.S. We embrace inclusion and welcome athletes of all ages and abilities, from elite professionals to first-time participants. CLASH Endurance had four events in 2022 with growth planned in the year ahead across the sports of triathlon, mountain biking, road and trail running. The popular CLASH Endurance DAYTONA is held at the Daytona International Speedway®, home of “The Great American Race™®”—the Daytona 500 and is featured on NBC. In addition, CLASH Endurance Miami that takes place each March at the Homestead-Miami Speedway® is featured on FS1. The brand hosted two new races this year, one in Watkins Glen, NY and Atlanta, GA, on July 8-10 and November 11-13, respectively. The CLASH Endurance Atlanta event included a track-and-trail half marathon in addition to a mountain bike event on the FOX Factory trails located alongside Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta. The series will continue expansion in 2023, with select events to leverage professional races with prize purse offerings and global television distribution. More information relating to CLASH Endurance and its events can be found at www.clashendurance.com.